Accreditation

This nationally recognized accreditation followed a rigorous evaluation by an external team of education professionals who reviewed BlueSky Online School’s curriculum, instructional and assessment practices, and its governance and leadership.

2018 Values Driven Award of Excellence

BlueSky is AdvancED (now Cognia) Midwest Region’s recipient of the 2018 Values Driven Award of Excellence for Minnesota! BlueSky was selected as a result of modeling AdvancED values and our stakeholders’ consistent demonstration of going above and beyond to ensure all learners under our care realize their maximum potential!

2018 Values Driven Award of Excellence
Cognia accredited, NCA CASI | NWAC | SACS CASI

In 2013 BlueSky Online School earned five-year accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). In 2018 BlueSky Online School underwent a rigorous program review and accreditation renewal process led by AdvancED (now Cognia) and the NCA CASI and was awarded accreditation for another 5 years. In 2023, BlueSky Online School underwent another rigorous program renewal process with Cognia who updated their evaluation process and performance standards. BlueSky, once again, was awarded accreditation for another 6 years.

Click here to view the Cognia Engagement Review Report

Noteworthy Practices,” at BlueSky Online School cited by the accrediting agency included:

  • Learners’ well-being is at the heart of the mission, vision, and beliefs of the school and serves as the basis of decisions. The school’s practices, processes, and decisions are documented and consistent with and based on its stated values. The school has implemented a formal structure that supports each learner with a team of adults. Professional staff members work together to implement solutions on behalf of learners.
  • Qualified staff and leaders, supported by the school’s board, have established structured shared leadership focused on learners’ success. The school has implemented committee-led governance that offers formal and informal leadership opportunities and expectations. Leaders and professional staff implement ongoing practices that improve learning. Committee decisions and recommendations demonstrate alignment with the school’s mission.

Accreditation means that the school not only meets rigorous established standards, but that it has demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement of its curriculum, programs, and operations.

Excerpts from the Accreditation Report

Culture of Learning
“Learners’ well-being was at the heart of the mission and vision of BlueSky Charter School and served as the basis of decisions.”

“The school’s levels of support and individualization provided guiding relationships and dynamic opportunities for students to choose pathways and options that met their needs and built on their strengths.”

Leadership for Learning
“Qualified, dedicated, mission-driven staff and leaders, supported by the school’s board, established shared leadership focused on learners’ success.”

“The establishment of the school’s effective, involved board has increased the capacity of the school to grow and become successful.”

“Staff was well-qualified and certified for their positions, and at least half held advanced degrees. Staff members were represented in the creation of the school’s next strategic plan. Providing opportunities for professional growth and expectations for shared leadership and involvement has resulted in engaged staff.”

Growth in Learning
“The school collected multiple sources of reliable data and demonstrated a commitment to action research to address the needs of learners.”

“Partnerships, grants, and commitment to improvement have resulted in the school’s conscientious collection and analysis of data over time to inform planning and accountability.”